Struggling as a Villain

Thankfully, the gemstone gradually stopped the water supply once the ether was no longer being fed. Additionally, the bathroom's drainage system was efficient enough to prevent any flooding.

Richard took a bath finally and after wiping his body, he wore a bathrobe.

When he got out, hesitantly, he found there was no one in the room—much to his relief.

Hopping his way towards the cupboard he took out a fresh pair of clothes.

He selected a white tunic that fell to his knees, paired perfectly with a dark blue belt that complemented the tunic's shade. To complete the look, he wore dark pants that reached his ankles and a pair of moccasin leather shoes.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Richard couldn't help but nod in admiration at how good he looked. His long hair just added some wild charm to him and these expensive clothes perfectly suited the young man.

'Should I train a little? Yeah, that would do.' The academy would be started in a few weeks and everyone who enrolls has to take certain examinations which would decide their class in the academy.

Although Richard was spoiled and often behaved like a jerk, he was actually quite formidable in the magical field. Not only could he manipulate ether better than his peers, but his proficiency in Blood Magic surpassed even that of the main character.

'I should get a hold of my powers before the academy begins.' With such thoughts, he left his room—only to meet a certain man waiting for him outside.

"Young master, Madame asked me to bring you for lunch, once you are done." This person was the same lanky man who gave a very ominous vibe back then.

However, Richard now has regained some of his memories and knows that this person can be trusted. Well, that was what his memory served, not like Richard was going to follow his memories blindly.

"I understand." Without another word, he began to follow his remembrance and head towards the dining space which was a little far from his room.

The man was silently following Richard which gave the young man the chance to command him, "Prepare the indoor arena for me to train. I don't want anyone there to interfere so don't call the instructor."

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"Understood, my lord." The butler immediately replied without asking needless questions.

Richard felt a little strange, giving commands like this. The world he came from, giving commands like this could only become possible if someone is on the top of the hierarchy and has numerous resources in their possession. Wealth and reputation didn't work in that apocalyptic world. Those who had the resources, a safe place, and a weapon to defend themselves held a high position in society.

As they reached the dining space, Richard spotted his mother, sitting at the head position and reading something from the document resting on the table.

The way she remained focused told him that she indeed was a working lady. And not just a Duchess in the name.

Richard took the seat on her left with the help of the butler and once he was seated the Duchess finally tore her eyes away from the file and looked at him with a smile.

"Feeling good, now?" She asked as she cupped his cheek with her left hand and assessed his complexion.

Unlike before, he didn't seem out of place and his etherflow provided her the assurance that her son wasn't harming himself.

Richard nodded stiffly before he asked, "Tomorrow, can I get permission to use the Teleportation portal?"

Bella blinked in confusion before she asked, "Are you going to meet the daughter of Count Cravenford?"

"You knew about it?" Richard asked with his brows raised. Well, it wasn't that surprising that the lady of the house was aware of the envoy that arrived.

"Ehe~you mama knows everything that happens in this mansion." She pumped her chest and announced in a proud tone.

Richard heaved a sigh before asking, "So can I use it?"

"The Duchess permits you! Go and meet your fiancée."

*******

Richard ate a light lunch and took his leave soon after.

Tomorrow, anything could happen. Maybe the heroine is calling him there to kill him? Anything was possible.

This world possessed some regressors who knew what kind of obstacle Richard would become in the future. Removing Richard from the track wouldn't be a wise choice for them—considering what grave damage the Duchess might bestow on them.

As such, Richard was curious to know what Emily had in store for him.

'Haah...let's see...' Standing in the middle of the indoor training ground, Richard wielded a wooden sword and began his training.

*******

Miles away from Duchess Scarlette's estate, inside a mansion not as grand as the former's, a certain blonde young girl could be seen.

Surrounded by flowers and greenery, the girl enjoyed fresh tea and some confections at this untimely hour.

Emily Cravenford, who appeared to be sixteen years old, had actually lived for twenty-two years and had returned to the past.

The reason why she seemed so calm and collected despite knowing what disaster awaited them, was because, until she didn't meet 'him' she knew she wouldn't be able to do anything.

The person for whom she has lived for so long and for whom she has returned to the past. Her first and only love—Ethan.

Tomorrow she was going to get rid of the label of being the fiancé of a scumbag and devote her life to Ethan once again.

He is the only person who is worthy of her affection. Someone who never thinks of himself and lives for others' sake. Although a little careless and rash at times, Ethan has always been a reliable man for her.

And soon, once the academy begin she would meet him once again.

"My lady, a guest has arrived and they wish to see you." Suddenly a maid arrived and she stated with her head bowed.

Emily frowned hearing that before she asked, "Did they tell their name?"

The maid instantly replied, "The lady called herself Eleanor."

The cup from Emily's hand nearly dropped upon hearing that name. She paused for a moment before immediately springing to her feet.

'El?!' She couldn't believe her ears that Eleanor had come to meet her all the way here.

She didn't make her wait for long and began to walk towards the reception with long strides.

The maid was surprised to see the vigor in her lady's temperament but naturally, she didn't say anything and followed the lady.

Once Emily reached her destination, she found the person she was expecting to see.

Long curly purple hair, a pair of round violet eyes, and an adorable little face. There was no doubt about it. This person was one of those who had traveled back in time with Emily and shared a common goal of saving this world and their beloved.

"Leave... everyone." Hearing Emily's command the maid who followed her and the one who served the tea for Eleanor, bowed their head and wordlessly walked away.

Emily used her detection spell to sense if someone was eavesdropping before she chanted a magic barrier around the place so their conversation wouldn't get heard by someone who was not supposed to hear them.

"El..." Emily slowly treads towards the violet-haired and the same was true for the latter as they embraced each other with moisture building in their eyes.

"We really..."

"...returned..." What Emily failed to utter, Eleanor completed it.

They couldn't believe that they had actually returned to the past and had the chance to change the future. They have a chance to live those beautiful moments with Ethan again and provide him with the love and care he deserves.

They finally have the chance to negate all the dangers and live a happy life.

********

A/N:- Heh~yuri? Jk~